Random selector switch and game

ABSTRACT

A random selector switch having a base, a motor-driven central shaft, two electrical contact arms, diametrically spaced and pivotally mounted on the shaft and of greater length than the distance of their pivot points from the base, and a circular electrical contact, mounted on the base and covering the path the contact arms make with the base when in an at rest condition, the circular contact being divided into at least three electrically isolated contacts, one of block comprises about 180* of arc. An electronic game apparatus, using the above or other electronic random selection device. The game apparatus includes two circuits, one of which establishes a particular offensive play in the game and, by chance, determined by the random selector, the success or failure of that play, and the other of which introduces an element of skill, dependent entirely upon the knowledge and acumen of the players of the game, by which the defensive player can anticipate and, thereby, block, the offensive play.

United States Patent [191 Schreier RANDOM SELECTOR SWITCH AND GAME [76]Inventor: Donald R. Schreier, 2007 Grandee Ct., Apt. A, Belpre, Ohio45714- [22] Filed: Sept. 20, 1972 211 App]. No.: 290,716

[52] US. Cl. 273/94 R, 200/24, 200/80 R, 273/] E, 273/138 A [51] Int.Cl. A63f 7/06 [58] Field of Search 273/1 E, 88, 93 R, 94 R, 273/138 A,141 A; 200/80 R, 80 B, 179, 24

[56] References Cited UN1TED STATES PATENTS 1,193,745 8/1916 Wilson273/88 X 1,686,105 10/1928 Rothenberg 273/141 A X 1,926,339 9/19332,780,461 2/1957 2,881,892 4/1959 2,902,283 9/1959 2,982,824 ,5/19612,997,552 8/1961 3,655,189 4/1972 Alexander 273/88 FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS 650,477 9/1937 Germany 273/138 A 51 Mar. 18, 1975 PrimaryExaminerRichard C. Pinkham Assistant Examiner-Harry G. StrappelloAttorney, Agent, or FirmCain and Lobo [57] ABSTRACT A random selectorswitch having a base, a motordriven central shaft, two electricalcontact arms, diametrically spaced and pivotally mounted on the shaftand of greater length than the distance of their pivot points from thebase, and a circular electrical contact, mounted on the base andcovering the path the contact arms make with the base when in an at restcondition, the circular contact being divided into at least threeelectrically isolated contacts, one of block comprises about 180 of arc.

An electronic game apparatus, using the above or other electronic randomselection device. The game apparatus includes two circuits, one of whichestablishes a particular offensive play in the game and, by chance,determined by the'random selector, the success or failure of that play,and the other of which introduces an element of skill, dependententirely upon the knowledge and acumen of the players of the game, bywhich the defensive player can anticipate and, thereby, block, theoffensive play.

18 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures RANDOM SELECTOR SWITCH AND GAME BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention This invention relates to randomselectors and to electrically-operated game boards using random selectors.

2. Description of the Prior Art Random selectors are well-known. Themost common and simple include the throwing of one or more dice and thedetermination of the upright indicia, the flipping of a coin havingdistinguishing indicia on both sides, the spinning by manual means of apointer mounted on a central axis which stops over adjacent indicia ofpredetermined arcuate length and the spinnin g of a wheel having aplurality of differing peripheral indicia with upright posts at theirjunctures and a flexible arm fixedly mounted to engage said posts,respectively, and to be disposed between two adjacent posts, therebymaking the random selection when the wheel comes to rest.

On the other hand, electronic random selectors, utilizing a standardring counter circuit are also wellknown in the art.

The first type of selector is mechanical or manual and sometimes subjectto clandestine control in the hands of a skilled operator. g

In addition, such types lack the allure of electronic or electricalconnotation and are inappropriate for use in instances where electricalactuation is desired or control or manipulation of the random selectionisto be isolated from the user.

7 Such random selectors are or can be adapted to be been electricallyvibrated to cause movement thereon of figure pieces representingcompeting players. Still other game boards embody electronic circuitswhich purely by chance indicate a net result such as the type of playrun and its successorfailure.

In such board games which are known to the art, the

. results 'of play are determined purely by random chance. There is noopportunity for opposing players to interject into the game their ownskill and knowledge in selecting a desired play and/or counterplay underchanging conditions of the game. Consequently, the net result of anysingle play, offensive or defensive, is a course ,of action whollyindependent of and not influ enced by opposing strategy which mightactually be used or preferred by the players of the game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, a general object of thisinvention to provide a new and improvedrandom selector.

It is afurther object of this invention to provide a new and improvedrandom selector which can provide a random choice between a large, ifnot infinite, number of predetermined choices.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a random selectoradapted to complete an electrical circuit,

2 whereby a predetermined one of a plurality of electrical devices, suchas a lamp, etc., may be actuated or caused to provide a signal.

Further objects of this invention include the provision of a randomselector which is selectively actuated and deactuated by the user oroperator, which may be driven electrically; which is safe in operation;which may be operated by unskilled persons; which is economicallymanufactured and used; and which may be adapted for use in which randomselection of an electrical circuit, other factors, .choices or indiciais desirable.

Still further objects of this invention include the provision of a newand improved random selector which is useful in games, including gamessimulating or recreating popular sports, and the like; which is readilyadapted to be selectively actuated and deactuated by a plurality ofusers; which is readily adapted to make one or more random selections ora fixed and random selection upon each actuation and deactuation.

Other objects of this invention include a new and improved game,simulating popular sports, and the like, including the new and improvedrandom selector of this invention wherein the random selector is adaptedto choose between a plurality of play results relative to the sport oraction being simulated in the game.

Still other objects of this invention are to provide a new and improvedgame simulating or recreating a popular sport, or the like, including asan operable part thereof a random selection means for determiningtheresults of a play and means by which the offensive player can determinethe play having means by which the other or defensive player can blockor stop the play and to provide a game obtaining one or more of theobjects and advantages set forth above.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a random selectorobtaining one or more of the objects and advantages set forth above. I

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will becomeapparentin the following description of preferred embodiments thereof,reference being had to the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION YOFVTI-IEDRAWINYG 4 FIG. 1 is a partly schematicelevational view of a preferred form of a random selector embodying thisinvention;

FIG. 2 is a horizontal sectional view of the random selector shown inFIG. I viewed along the lines 2-2 of FIG. 1 with the selector armsangularly rotated relative to their position in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view, similar to FIG. 2, of another preferred form of randomselector embodying this invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic sectional view of a portion of therandom selector shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a game embodying a preferred form of thisinvention and using a random selector embodying a preferred form of thisinvention;

FIG. 6 is a plan view, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of the gameboard of FIG. 5 showing the play and play result selectors;

FIG. 7 is a schematic wiring diagram of a game board embodying apreferred form of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic wiring diagram of the play result selectorcomprising a preferred form of random selector embodying this invention;and- 3 FIG. 9 is a schematic wiring diagram of a preferred form of playselector and blocking system embodying a preferred form of thisinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A random selector embodying apreferred form of this invention is indicated generally at 1, FIG. 1.

Briefly, the random selector 1, in its preferred form, comprises a baseand a motor driven shaft having a pair of diametrically spaced conductorarms hingedly supported thereon for pivoting about an axis transverse ofthe direction of the driven shaft. The conductor arms are springbiasedtoward each other and into a position parallel with the drivenshaft or an axial extension thereof, but move toward and into ahorizontal position when the shaft is rotated. The arms are of greaterlength than the distance of their pivot points or hinges, respectively,above the base of the selector so that the tips or ends of the arms restupon the base when the shaft is at rest.

ln its preferred form the base comprises a plurality of conductorelements disposed in arcuate arrangement about the intersection of theshaft, or the axial extension thereof, and the base. One of theconductor elements comprises about 180 of arc and is connected to oneside of a power line. The other conductor elements and the firstconductor element are electrically isolated from each other and form theother 180 of arc about the shaft axis and are connected to the otherside of the circuit. When the arms are at rest, one arm engages thefirst conductor element and the other arm randomly engages one of theother conductor elements to complete a circuit therethrough and actuatean electrical device in series with the particular other conductor soengaged.

In other formsofthe invention the base may be divided into a pluralityof separate choices, marks or segments to be randomly selectedby one orboth of the arms stopping thereon when the motor or other driving meansis deactuated, as willhereinafter more fully appear.

.More particularly, selectorl preferablycomprises a base member 2, acentral shaft or axis 4 extending in perpendicular relation to thebase-and supported'for rotation about its own axis and a pair ofdiametrically spaced selector arms 7 and 8 supported'on said shaft forrotation therewith.

Each selector arm 7 and 8 is pivotally or hingedly supported as bypintles l and 12, respectively, for pivoting about an axis lying in aplane extending transverse of the shaft 4 to and .for the purposes to behereinafter more fully explained.

The arms 7 and 8 are of a length greater than the distance between thebase 2 and the pivot axes l0 and 12, respectively, so that the remote orfree end, 13 and 14, respectively, of each arm 7 and 8 will rest on thebase 2 when the shaft is at rest. Further, the ends 13 and 14 of arms 7and 8 are preferably weighted as by balls 16 and 17, respectively, so asto increase the natural tendency of the arms to raise to a horizontalposition about their respective pivot axis when the shaft 4 is rotatedat speeds, i.e., revolutions per minute, which are relatively high inorder to utilize centrifugal force to this end and effect.

Selector 1 also includes means for rotating or spinning the shaft 4,such as motor 18, in order to rotate the arms 7 and 8 and lift them asthey spintoward a horizontal position, or at least, out of contact withthe base upon which they rest when the shaft 4 is not being rotated.Further, while shaft 4 is, as noted, preferably driven by an electricmotor, other means may be employed for rotating the shaft 4 within theteachings of this invention.

In order to make a selection by use of the selector, the shaft 4 isspun, by motor 18, if one is provided. hand or other means, at a speedsufficient to cause the arms 7 and 8 to lift off the base and extend ortend to extend in a horizontal position, under the influence of thecentrifugal force created by the spinning or rotating of shaft 4.

After the arms are lifted off the base, spinning or rotation of theshaft 4 is discontinued, either by opening the motor circuit, as willhereinafter more fully appear,

or otherwise terminating actuation of the shaft to permit the shaft torun down; i.e., lose speed, whereupon the centrifugal force decreasesand the arms lower until they once again rest on the base.

Base 2' is also provided with a plurality of indicia so arranged thateach of the arms will rest upon one of them when the shaft is at restand so constructed that the choice or selection of the indicia uponwhich one or both arms rests is a random choice determined by chance andnot through control of the shaft rotation, except from the broad effectof starting and stopping rotation thereof, so that, upon stopping, thearms come to rest, where noone knows, upon one of the said indicia.

The indica may be colored or numbered areas delineated on the base ormay, as in the preferred form of this invention, include electricalcontacts which are engaged by the arms to complete a randomly-selectedone of a plurality of predetermined circuits to effect a responsetherein or use thereof. The indicia are so located on the base 2 as tobe within the area of potential-engagementbetween the balls 16 and 17,respectively, of the arms and the base when the arms are in theirlowered position as shown in FIG. I. Arms 7 and 8 are preferably ofequal length, weight and characteristics, so as to aid'the random natureof the selection made thereby. When, as preferred, the selectoris'designed -to complete an electric circuit, the arms and pintles andshaft, or, at least, the interconnection between the arms,are, ofcourse, made of electrically conductive material, such as steel,aluminum, copper, or the like, ora combination thereof and the indiciaare likewise formed of electrical conductors which are connected bysuitable leads to a power source and the devices, arranged in parallel,to be actuated or controlled by the random selector. r

Further, in order to ensure completion of the selected circuit, oneindicia, 20, for example, 'see FIG. 2, comprises a metal plate or otherconductor which is of arcuate length equal to one-half or substantiallyonehalf of the arc of the circle which the arms describe 'on the base,i.e., and is connected to one side of the electrical line, to and forthe purpose to be described below. v

The other half of the circle or are is electrically isolated fromindicia or contact 20 and is divided into at least two indicia orcontacts 22, each of which is connected by suitable lead 23 to a device25 indicated schematically at 25, all of which are electricallyparallel, to be operated by the random selector and, thence, to theother side of the power line.

Each separate indicia or conductor 22 is electrically isolated from theother as by insulator strips or gaps 27 which, however, are sufficientlynarrow so as to preclude or effectively preclude the possibility of theball 16 or 17, as the case may be, landing solely on the strip 27. Ifthis should happen, however, the only loss would be of that randomselection and the selector can be reactuated, i.e., the shaft respun fora new selection.

Alternatively, the insulator strip 27 may be peaked parallel with theedges of the adjacent indicia so as to direct the ball (arm) onto one ofthe other of the adjacent indicia.

Obviously, the indicia 20 and 22 may be of nonconductive material whenthe selector need not or does not complete an electric circuit and theindicia 20 may be similarly subdivided so that all indicia are of equalarcuate length or the indicia may be made of different arcuate lengths,if and as the user so desires. Further, the arms 7 and 8 may themselvesbe separately designated, by color, number or other means, so that onefunctions as the selector and the other a balance to ensure ran- .domselection.

In this latter instance, the engagement of the designated arm with anindicia would constitute the selection and a minimum of two indicia,each constituting one-half of the total arc (i.e., each constituting 180would be sufficient for a random selection ifa go or nogo, yes-no orequivalent choice is to be made.

The arms are preferably biased toward each other by means, such asspring 30, so as to more quickly urge the arms into the downwardlyposition when actuation or driving of the shaft 4 is terminated.

The selector can be arranged to be actuatable by one or more persons, orto require two or more persons to cooperate to actuate and control theselector.

For example, as best seen in FIG. 8, the motor 18 may be connected witha power source 31 and a ground 33, and one or more of switches, forexample, may be interposed in the circuit to control the motor.

When at least two switches, 34 and 36, for example, are used, they maybe arranged in parallel, as shown in full lines, in which instance themotor will operate when either switch is closed or, alternatively, theymay be-arranged in series as indicated in dotted lines, in whichinstance they all must be closed to actuate the motor. In the parallelswitch arrangement, once the motor is started, the shaft 4 will continueto be driven until all of the switches are opened, whereas in the seriesarrangement, the shaft will not be driven until all the switches areclosed and the motor will stop driving the shaft when any one of theswitches is open. This provides options for use of the selector in gamesand other situations as will more fully appear, it being understood thatin any one game only one pattern of switches for controlling the motorneed be provided.

Another preferred form of random selector embodying this invention isshown in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein like reference characters refer to likeparts as in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In this instance, a plurality of sockets 40 into which the balls 16 and17 of arms 7 and 8 can rest, at least for those indicia corresponding inpurpose to the indicia on the one side of the line as per indicia 22 inFIG. 2.

In this instance, the sockets 40. are formed with sides 41 of plastic,rubber or other suitable insulating material and a base orbottom 43 ofconductive material. The sides, as best seen in FIG. 4, are pyramidal inshape intermediate adjacent indicia or sockets in order to urge or biasthe ball of the arm into contact with the base or bottom in the mannerdescribed above in connection with the suggestion as to separating theindicia 22 of FIG. 2 with a peaked insulating strip.

The circuits, through the indicia 22 (or sockets are arranged inparallel, see FIG. 8, with one indicia, for example, connected to thepower source 31 and the other to the ground 33 or return. Further, asshown in FIG. 8, each separate circuit through the indicia 22 is adaptedto include a suitable electrical device switch relay, or the like, suchas bulbs 25', which perform a function, as being lit, when the circuitis completed to give an effect or output from the random selector.

Random selector 1 may be adapted for use for many purposes and in manysituations where a practical and effective random selection can beutilized.

One such purpose and situation is illustrated in FIGS. 5-9, inclusive,and comprises a game embodying a preferred form of this invention andutilizing a random selector embodying a preferred form of thisinvention.

Such a game is indicated generally at 44, FIG. 5, and is shown as afootball game, although it is to be understood that other sports can beutilized or simulated in games embodying all or part of this invention.

The game 44 comprises a board 45 which preferably includes a simulatedgame area, or field, i.e., football field 46, a play result indicator ortable 48, and, in its preferred form, as will more fully appear, twoplay selector switches, and 51, FIGS. 5 and 9, by which offensive anddefensive plays are selected by the respective players or users of thegame.

The game board 45 also preferably includes an indicator 53, which isconveniently manually operated by which the down is indicated, anindicator 54 by which the quarter can be indicated and means, such as atimer 55, for determining the length of each quarter. Alternatively, thequarter can be determined by a predetermined number of plays or by aseparate timer.

In the preferred form of game 44, table 48 includes two portions 57 and58, see FIG. 6, one of which, 57, is for play selection and the other ofwhich, 58, determines the result of the play.

The play selector 57 is preferably electrically operated, although theplay may be selected manually or by voice announcement, if desired, andcertain plays arise by virtue of the game situation in the sport beingsimulated.

Further, in its preferred form, the play selector 57 includes means bywhich the players or users of the game can apply tactical skill to thesituation with the offensive player choosing a play and the defensiveplayer attempting to block the play by anticipating the same.

To this end, the play selector 57 is provided with a plurality of playscommon to the game or sport being simulated, seven are shown in the FIG.6, wherein ab- The results on play result indicator 58 are determinedand indicated by means of a random selector such as and preferably ofthe type described above and embodying a preferred form of thisinvention, albeit, games embodying the preferred form of this inventionwith respect to the defensive player blocking or anticipating theoffensive play may use other types of random selectors, such as a ringselector.

As shown in FIG. 6, the play result indicator 58 has 14 verticalcolumns, 6], seven to each side of the center and 16 light bulbs 25,compare FIG. 8. When the random selector 1 is used, one bulb 25' is litand that bulb indicates the appropriate result, vertical column 61, ofthe play selected or being determined, which is shown in horizontalcolumn 62. Further, while the embodiment shown utilizes l6 bulbs 25 with14 play result columns and two penalty bulbs, any desired number ofcolumns (both vertical and horizontal).may be provided for.

Play selector 57 is actuated and embodies the circuit 'shown in FIG. 9.The circuit includes the two rotary dials or play selector switches 50and 51, one of which is disposed on each side of the game board to beaccessible to one player and preferably so located that the other playercannot see the play selected. The offensive player chooses a play basedon the game situation, in this case, i.e., down, score, yardage to go,while the defensive player attempts to determine the play which theoffensive player will choose to block it.

' Switches 50 and 51 are connected in parallel with the power source 31and ground 33. In addition, each contact 64 on each switch 50 and 51 islabeled to correspond with a play shown in the table of selector 57. Thebulb 60 on the selector is connected with the similarly labeled contacton each of the switches 50 and 51 so that the circuit through the bulbmay be completed through either switch. The play selector 57 alsoincludes a master switch 65, FIGS. 5 and 9, which, when open, breaks theentire circuit in the play selector so that no bulb is lit when theswitch is open. In use switch 65 is opened, depressed, each player makeshis selection and switch 65 is released to close. If both players haveselected the same play, 4 as shown in FIG. 9, only one bulb 60 lightsand the play is blocked, although a down is charged. On the other hand,if the players have selected different plays, two bulbs 60 lightindicating that the defense has not blocked the play. In the latterevent, the random selector is actuated to determine the result of theoffensive play on the indicator 58. Obviously, two bulbs for each play,one controlled by each player, could be used in the selector 57, inwhich instance a blocked play would be indicated by two lights burningadjacent the same play or the circuit could be arranged so that no lightwould burn when a play was blocked.

As noted above, board 45 also includes a simulated game field 46, which,in this instance, preferably includes a ten yard marker 67 adapted toslide along the edge of the marked-off field to indicate the ballposition at the beginning of each set of downs, as in football, and afootball 68 with a pointer which may be lighted, if desired, adapted toslide along the field to indicate the position ofthe ball after a playresult is determined by the random selector. Football 68 is convenientlypositioned by rotating wheel 70, which controls a spool string meanswound therearound and connected to the football 68 or a carrier thereforat each end thereof to move the football in either direction the desireddistance in accordance with the results determined by the indicator 58and the random selector 1.

When, as is preferred, switches 34 and 36 are arranged as shown indotted lines in FIG. 8, the random selector 1 of game 44 is actuated byeach player pressing his adjacent switch button 34' or 36, respectively,and the selection is made in the manner described above when one playerreleased the button of his switch to open the same.

FIG. 7 discloses a wiring circuit suitable for use with the game 44.

A plug 72 is provided for connection to the usual household base socket.Plug 72 leads to the primary side of a transformer 73. The secondaryside of the transformer 73 connects through a triac 74 to a switch 76,see, also, FIG. 5, which has three positions. One of these positionsconnects the transformer to the juncture which corresponds to the powersource 31 in the circuits of FIGS. 8 and 9, for example, which circuitsare collectively indicated by the block 77 in FIG. 7.

A second position of switch 76 disconnects the circuits of FIGS. 8 and 9(block 77) from the plug 72, but closes switch 79 with which switch 76is ganged to complete the circuit between the batteries 80 and the powersource 31 and, thereby, the circuits of block 77. A third position orcontact of switch 76 connects the secondary of the transformer 73 withthe batteries 80 to recharge the same.

Thus, the game and the random selector embodying this invention may beoperated from batteries so as to be useful when an electric power socketis not available.

The abbreviations used in the play selector 57 and play result indicator58 stand for common football terms as follows: QB: Quarterback; FB:Fullback; EZ: End Zone; FUM: Fumble; INC: Incomplete; INT: Intercepted;BLK: Blocked; FC: Fair Catch; PNF: Pass Interference; L: Lose; K: Keep;G: Good; NG; No Good OSK: Off Side Kick.

WORKING EXAMPLE In operation, basic football rules or modified rules maybe followed as desired by the players. Each player is coach andquarterback of his team. The game may be commenced by a flip of a coinas in collegiate or professional football. The circuit of FIG. 8 isnormally applied only to plays from scrimmage, so that the openingkickoff and return are determined by the circuit of FIG. 7.

With the circuit of FIG. 7 operable as by closure of switches 34 and 36,the selector shaft rotates until one of the switches is released andopens at which time a selection is made as described above. The kickingplayer compares the indicia of column 61 having the bulb lit with theKICKOFF" designation of the appropriate horizontal column 62 todetermine that his team has kicked the ball a distance of 40 yards. Thisproce' dure is repeated with the next selection determining the yardageof the return run.

When switches 34' and 36 are in parallel, the player whose turn it iscan actuate the random selector alone, whereas, both players mustcooperate to actuate the random selector when the switches are inseries.

The ball is now put into play from the line of scrimmage. The offensiveplayer selects whatever play he desires, such as an off tackle,quarterback sneak, fullback dom chance result of the random selector.Unknown to each other, each player places his selector switch 50 and 51,as the case may be, at a desired station, each station corresponding toan offensive play as described above. When the circuit is energized, ifonly one of the neon bulbs 60 lights, the defense has correctlyanticipated the play called by the offense, and the play goes for nogain. If two lamps 60 light, the offense has outguessed the defense andreference is now made to the random selector to determine the results ofthe play in the manner described above.

One of the two lamps in the penalty box is originally assigned to eachplayer. Alternatively, one lamp may indicate an offensive penalty, andthe other bulb a defensive penalty. When a players penalty lamp remainslit after the random selection is completed, a penalty is declared onhis team. The random selector is again actuated to determine the extentof the penalty by reading the yardage value adjacent the lamp thatremains lit.

In the meanwhile, the progress of the game may be followed on field 46of FIG. by moving the football 68 up and down the field in accordancewith the success or failure of the plays called and strategy relied on.If a first down is not obtained, the offensive team has the option ofpunting or trying a field goal. The distance of the punt and thedistance and/or success of the field goal attempt may be determined bythe random selector in the manner described. Fumbles and interceptionsare also resolved in a like manner. For interceptions, the play resultindicator also shows the amount of return yardage.

The number of the down may be shown by use of down indicator 53. Thequarter of play may be indicated by checking off the quarter on theindicator 54. Each quarter ofthe game may be timed as noted above.

The present game apparatus simulates the excitement of an actual game.The game becomes a matching of wit and knowledge of sound footballstrategy. It reflects the conditions of football play in a realisticmanner since each player is both a coach and quarterback and callseachscrimmage play in accordance with a game plan or strategy.

Although the present apparatus has been described in connection withfootball, it is understood to be adaptable to still other sports. Forexample, in baseball, play board conditions can be establishedrepresenting calls of balls or strikes, errors, wild pitches, passballs, a hit or fly-out, or if a hit, whether it is a single, double,etc. The same technique is applicable to basketball as to calls offouls, whether or not foul shots are made, basket attempts fromdifferent distances from the basket, full court passes, and the like.

Modifications, changes and improvements to the preferred forms of theinvention herein disclosed, described and illustrated may occur to thoseskilled in the art who come to understand the principles and preceptsthereof. Accordingly, the scope of the patent to be issued hereon shouldnot be limited to the particular embodiments of the invention set forthherein, but rather should be limited by the advance by which theinvention has promoted the art.

I claim:

1. A random selector comprising a base, shaft means having an axisextending perpendicular to said base, said shaft means being mounted forrotation about its axis, and means to drive said shaft means at at leasta predetermined speed, a pair of diametrically spaced arms, meanshingedly supporting said arms on said shaft means for pivoting about anaxis lying in a plane transverse of said shaft means axis, said arms,being of length greater than the distance between said hinge means andsaid base, said arms having ends which engage said base when said shaftmeans is at rest, at least two indicia on said base and disposed to bein position to underly said arm ends when said arm ends engage saidbase, said arms extending angularly outwardly, relative to said shaftmeans, and means enabling and causing said arms to move out of contactwith said base when said shaft means is rotated at said predeterminedspeed.

2. The random selector according to claim 1, with said means to drivesaid shaft means being a motor means and means to control the actuationand deactuation of said motor means.

3. The random selector according to claim 1 with spring means urgingsaid arms toward each other and said base.

4. The random selector according to claim 1, in which one said indiciacomprises substantially one-half the arc of the circle described by saidarm ends on said base and the other half of said circle comprises atleast two said indicia.

5. The random selector according to claim 4 in which said arms andindicia are of electrically conductive material and said arms areconnected electrically.

6. The random selector according to claim 5 in which said indicia areelectrically isolated from each other and said arms complete anelectrical circuit through the indicia engaged by said ends thereof,respectively, when said ends engage said base.

7. The random selector according to claim 6 in which said indicia onsaid other half of said circle are disposed in electrically parallelcircuits and each said circuit includes an electrical device operated bysaid circuit when said circuit is completed through and by said arms.

8. The random selector according to claim 7 in which said electricaldevice is a lamp.

9. The random selector according to claim 7 including electric motormeans for driving said shaft means.

10. The random selector according to claim 8 with means to selectivelycontrol said electric motor means.

11. The random selector according to claim 10 in which said last-namedmeans comprises a plurality of switches arranged in series.

12. The random selector according to claim 10 in which said last-namedmeans comprises a plurality of switches arranged in parallel.

13. The random selector according to claim 12 in combination with a gameboard in which each said lamp is adapted to indicate the result of aplay or turn.

14. The random selector according to claim 13 in combination with a gameboard in which each said lamp is adapted to indicate the result of aplay chosen by one of two players, and said game board includes meanswhereby one said player can select an offensive play and the other saidplayer can select a defensive play to block said selected offensiveplay.

15. The random selector and game board as set forth in claim 14 in whicheach said player has a switch for selecting a play, said game includes alisting of a plurality of plays and bulb means is disposed adjacent eachsaid play on said list and each bulb is operable by each said switchwhen said switch is turned to the same play as that to which said bulbis disposed adjacent said list.

16. The random selector according to claim 7 in which said indicia areseparated by an insulator strip.

17. A random selector comprising a base, shaft means having an axisextending perpendicular to said base, said shaft means being mounted forrotation about its axis, a pair of diametrically spaced arms,

means hingedly supporting said arms on said shaft means for pivotingabout an axis lying in a plane transverse of said shaft means axis, saidarms being of length said shaft means, out of contact with said basewhen said shaft means is rotated at a predetermined speed, one saidindicia comprising substantially one-half the arc of the circledescribed by said arm ends on said base and the other half of saidcircle comprising at least two said indicia and each indicia on saidother half of said circle comprising a socket of insulating materialwith a base of conductive material, and each arm end having a ball of asize to fit in said socket, and said sockets of adjacent indicia have a;peaked interface along the arc of contact of said balls, respectively,with said base.

18. The random selector according to claim 17 in which said arms andindicia are of electrically conductive material, said arms are connectedelectrically, said indicia are electrically isolated from each other,said arms complete an electrical circuit through the indicia engaged bysaid ends thereof, respectively, when said greater than the distancebetween said hinge means and said base, said arms having ends whichengage said base when said shaft means is at rest, and at least twoindicia ends engage said base, said indicia on said other half of saidcircle are disposed in electrically parallel circuits, and each saidcircuit includes an electrical device operated by said circuit when saidcircuit is completed through and by said arms.

1. A random selector comprising a base, shaft means having an axisextending perpendicular to said base, said shaft means being mounted forrotation about its axis, and means to drive said shaft means at at leasta predetermined speed, a pair of diametrically spaced arms, meanshingedly supporting said arms on said shaft means for pivoting about anaxis lying in a plane transverse of said shaft means axis, said armsbeing of length greater than the distance between said hinge means andsaid base, said arms having ends which engage said base when said shaftmeans is at rest, at least two indicia on said base and disposed to bein position to underly said arm ends when said arm ends engage saidbase, said arms extending angularly outwardly, relative to said shaftmeans, and means enabling and causing said arms to move out of contactwith said base when said shaft means is rotated at said predeterminedspeed.
 2. The random selector according to claim 1, with said means todrive said shaft means being a motor means and means to control theactuation and deactuation of said motor means.
 3. The random selectoraccording to claim 1 with spring means urging said arms toward eachother and said base.
 4. The random selector according to claim 1, inwhich one said indicia comprises substantially one-half the arc of thecircle described by said arm ends on said base and the other half ofsaid circle comprises at least two said indicia.
 5. The random selectoraccording to claim 4 in which said arms and indicia are of electricallyconductive material and said arms are connected electrically.
 6. Therandom selector according to claim 5 in which said indicia areelectrically isolated from each other and said arms complete anelectrical circuit through the indicia engaged by said ends thereof,respectively, when said ends engage said base.
 7. The random selectoraccording to claim 6 in which said indicia on said other half of saidcircle are disposed in electrically parallel circuits and each saidcircuit includes an electrical device operated by said circuit when saidcircuit is completed through and by said arms.
 8. The random selectoraccording to claim 7 in which said electrical device is a lamp.
 9. Therandom selector according to claim 7 including electric motor means fordriving said shaft means.
 10. The random selector according to claim 8with means to selectively control said electric motor means.
 11. Therandom selector according to claim 10 in which said last-named meanscomprises a plurality of switches arranged in series.
 12. The randomselector according to claim 10 in which said last-named means comprisesa plurality of switches arranged in parallel.
 13. The random selectoraccording to claim 12 in combination with a game board in which eachsaid lamp is adapted to indicate the result of a play or turn.
 14. Therandom selector according to claim 13 in combination with a game boardin which each said lamp is adapted to indicate the result of a playchosen by one of two players, and said game board includes means wherebyone said player can select an offensive play and the other said playercan select a defensive play to block said selected offensive play. 15.The random selector and game board as set forth in claim 14 in whicheach said player has a switch for selecting a play, said game includes alisting of a plurality of plays and bulb means is disposed adjacent eachsaid play on said list and each bulb is operable by each said switchwhen said switch is turned to the same play as that to which said bulbis disposed adjacent said list.
 16. The random selector according toclaim 7 in which said indicia are separated by an insulAtor strip.
 17. Arandom selector comprising a base, shaft means having an axis extendingperpendicular to said base, said shaft means being mounted for rotationabout its axis, a pair of diametrically spaced arms, means hingedlysupporting said arms on said shaft means for pivoting about an axislying in a plane transverse of said shaft means axis, said arms being oflength greater than the distance between said hinge means and said base,said arms having ends which engage said base when said shaft means is atrest, and at least two indicia on said base and disposed to be inposition to underly said arm ends when said arm ends engage said base,said arms extending angularly outwardly, relative to said shaft means,out of contact with said base when said shaft means is rotated at apredetermined speed, one said indicia comprising substantially one-halfthe arc of the circle described by said arm ends on said base and theother half of said circle comprising at least two said indicia and eachindicia on said other half of said circle comprising a socket ofinsulating material with a base of conductive material, and each arm endhaving a ball of a size to fit in said socket, and said sockets ofadjacent indicia have a peaked interface along the arc of contact ofsaid balls, respectively, with said base.
 18. The random selectoraccording to claim 17 in which said arms and indicia are of electricallyconductive material, said arms are connected electrically, said indiciaare electrically isolated from each other, said arms complete anelectrical circuit through the indicia engaged by said ends thereof,respectively, when said ends engage said base, said indicia on saidother half of said circle are disposed in electrically parallelcircuits, and each said circuit includes an electrical device operatedby said circuit when said circuit is completed through and by said arms.